Other Names:
Zwitterionic Surfactants, Betaines, Sultaines, Amino Acid Surfactants, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocoamphoacetate, Lauramidopropyl Betaine
Specification Summary
- Purity: Typically ≥95% (active content, depending on grade)
- Form: Clear to pale yellow liquid, viscous liquid, or crystalline solid (depending on specific compound)
- CAS No.: Varies by type (e.g., Lauramidopropyl Betaine: 4292-10-8)
- Molecular Formula: Varies (e.g., Lauramidopropyl Betaine: C₁₉H₃₈N₂O₃)
- Molecular Weight: Varies (e.g., Lauramidopropyl Betaine: 342.52 g/mol)
Product Description
Amphoteric surfactants are unique surface-active agents that contain both anionic and cationic groups within the same molecule. Their ionic character is pH-dependent: they act as cationic surfactants in acidic environments, anionic surfactants in alkaline environments, and display zwitterionic (neutral) behavior near their isoelectric point. Amphoteric surfactants are generally clear to pale yellow liquids or solids, soluble in water, non-corrosive, and stable in both acidic and alkaline conditions. They are compatible with a wide range of other surfactants and are recognized for their mildness, low toxicity, easy biodegradability, and high efficiency at low concentrations. These surfactants are non-alkaline by nature and are often chosen for their low irritation potential and excellent foaming, cleansing, and emulsifying properties.
Amphoteric Surfactants Specification Table
| Property | Typical Value / Range |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid/solid |
| Active Content | ≥95% (grade-dependent) |
| pH (1% solution, 25°C) | 5.0–8.0 |
| Solubility in Water | Completely soluble |
| Ionic Nature | Zwitterionic (pH-dependent) |
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable |
| Foaming Ability | High |
| Compatibility | Compatible with anionic, cationic, nonionic surfactants |
| Hard Water Tolerance | Excellent |
| Toxicity | Low |
| Corrosivity | Non-corrosive |
| Stability | Stable in strong acids and alkalis |
Downloadable TDS:
A comprehensive Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is available for download, detailing all technical, safety, and handling information.
Application Sectors and Industries of Amphoteric Surfactants
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Amphoteric surfactants are widely used in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and baby care products due to their exceptional mildness, high foaming, and low irritation. They enhance conditioning, viscosity, and foam stability, making formulations gentle and effective for daily use.
Household Cleaning Products
These surfactants are essential in dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, and hard surface cleaners. Their ability to work in hard water, build foam, and reduce irritation makes them ideal for safe, efficient cleaning at home.
Industrial and Institutional Cleaners
Amphoteric surfactants provide powerful cleaning, wetting, and emulsifying action in degreasers, floor cleaners, and metal cleaners. Their stability in both acidic and alkaline solutions allows for versatile use in heavy-duty and specialty cleaning formulations.
Agriculture
Used as adjuvants in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, amphoteric surfactants improve wetting, spreading, and penetration of active ingredients, enhancing the effectiveness of crop protection products while minimizing environmental impact.
Textile and Leather Processing
In textile auxiliaries and leather finishing, these surfactants serve as dyeing assistants, dispersants, and antistatic agents, improving dye uptake, softness, and process efficiency.
Oil and Gas Industry
Amphoteric surfactants are utilized in drilling fluids, enhanced oil recovery, and corrosion inhibition. Their ability to stabilize emulsions and function in extreme pH conditions makes them valuable in upstream and downstream operations.
Pharmaceuticals
They act as solubilizers, emulsifiers, and wetting agents in pharmaceutical formulations, ensuring uniform dispersion of active ingredients and improving bioavailability.
Paints, Coatings, and Inks
Used as emulsifiers and dispersants, amphoteric surfactants enhance pigment dispersion, stability, and application properties in water-based paints, coatings, and printing inks.
Mining and Mineral Processing
These surfactants aid in flotation, ore beneficiation, and dust suppression, optimizing resource recovery and environmental safety.
Polymerization and Chemical Manufacturing
Amphoteric surfactants are employed as emulsifiers and stabilizers in emulsion polymerization, latex production, and specialty chemical synthesis, ensuring product consistency and quality.
Packaging Types
- Plastic Drums (50–200 kg):Durable, leak-proof containers suitable for safe storage and transport of liquid amphoteric surfactants.
- IBC Tanks (1,000 liters):Large-volume, stackable intermediate bulk containers for bulk users and industrial applications.
- HDPE Jerrycans (20–50 kg):Lightweight, easy-to-handle containers for smaller quantities and laboratory use.
- Bulk Tankers:For high-volume, direct-to-site delivery, ensuring product integrity and cost efficiency.
- Custom Packaging:Tailored solutions including smaller bottles, sachets, or specialty containers to meet specific customer or regulatory requirements.
Amphoteric surfactants are the preferred choice for formulators seeking high performance, environmental safety, and versatility across a broad spectrum of industries. For detailed technical, safety, and handling information, please refer to the downloadable Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
